Envelope and opener combined



March 12, 1946. M. VELAZQUEZ ENVELOPE AND OPENER COMBINED Filed Dec. 11, 1945 Wmwfl /7Z 005 Z I Q4. Z9. M31

Patented Mar. 12, 1946 ENVELOPE AND OPENER COMBINED Manuel Velazquez, Mobile, Ala.

Application December 11 In Mexico Dec 1 Claim.

This invention relates to combination envelopes and openers, and has reference in particular to types in which a tear-tape, cord or equivalent element is incorporated in the structure in such a manner as to sever the flap from the body or receptacle with ease and expediency so as not to damage the correspondence or other contents of the envelope.

Needless to say, I am not unmlndful that this classification and field of invention aforementioned is, of this date, already highly developed. Admittedly, envelopes having so-called built-in severing and tear elements are facts of common knowledge. However, and despite the many varieties in species already patented and marketed, I have evolved and produced a special adaptations characterized by features of newness and certain other refinements.

In carrying out my ideas embodying the improvements referred to, I have achieved the results desired through the instrumentality of unique and practical means affording a quick, separable connection between the body or receptacle and the complemental flap, said means being such that the body and fiap define independent members except when adjoined in closed relationship by way of the improved connective and tear elements.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying illustrative drawing.

In the drawing, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of an envelope constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the flap being in its open position in readiness to receive the correspondence or other contents, the position assumed before being closed for mailing purposes. Figure 2 is a view showing the envelope partly sealed and partly tom open, the latter step being accomplished by the improved pull-type opener.

Figure 3 is an enlarged detailing view on the line 3-3 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 4 is a somewhat similar fragmentary sectional view, this being on the plane of the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Referring now to the drawing by distinguishing reference numerals, it will be observed that the receptacle or body portion of the envelope, which is conventional, is denoted by the nu- 1943, Serial No. 513,938 ember 15, 1942 meral 5. The complemental or companion closing flap, which is also conventional, is denoted by the numeral 6. Normally, the hinging edge of the fiap is formed integral with the front panel or wall of the receptacle part, as will be readily called to mind when reflecting on the construction of an ordinary envelope. However, and in accordance with the principles of the instant invention, the flap is really a separate unit or part, this being adjoined to the panel or wall I by way of a connective web 8. By preference, this web is in the form of an elongated rectangular strip of acetate cellulose material, the same being transparent and commonly referred to in the trade as Cellophane. Taking particular note of the association of the parts 5 to 8, inclusive, and specific reference being had to Figure 3, it will be observed that one-third of the area of the web 8 is glued or otherwise fastened to the adjacent hinging edge portion of the flap 6, as indicated at 9. The corresponding longitudinal one-third edge portion I0 is glued to the inner edge of the mouth of the receptacle portion. More particularly, it is attached to the inner face of the panel 12 This leaves the median one-third area ll free to function in a two-way manner. First, it is the hinging and closing portion and is also the foundation for attachment of a tear or opener tape I2. The element [2 is considerably narrower than the main web 8, being approximately one-third the width. Its width corresponds to the area H and it is of course fastened by glue or an equivalent adhesive to this area II from end to end. It is of a tougher texture of Cellophane and is preferably colored red to distinguish it as a self-evident opener element. As seen in Figure 1, one free end of the tear-tape l2 projects beyond the adjacent transverse end portion of the receptacle part to function as a finger gripping or pull tab.

In practice the tear-tape is of course secured to the inner surface of the Cellophane web. The latter is transparent and the tear-tape is substantiallynon-transparent. With the parts invthe relationship seen in Figure 1, the letter, correspondence, check Or other article can be readily slipped into the receptacle portion as usual. Moreover, the gummed marginal edge of the flap 6 is then brought over and down and sealed against the rear wall or panel portion I4, as brought out to advantage in Figures 2 and 4. This means that the web 8 saddles over and closes the mouth portion of the envelope.- By simply grasping the pull tab l3 and ripping the teartape from end to end, said tape being tougher than the Cellophane web, it cuts along opposite longitudinal edges and seven; the web into its remaining portions 8 and Hi. This operation is brought out in Figure 2, in which we see the teartape pulled out partly at the left with the severed corner or end portion of the flap pealed back for clearness of exposing the operation. In actual practice the complete flap remains intact and only the tear-tape and superimposed part II of the Cellophane web is bodily torn out.

A careful consideration of the foregoin description in conjunction with the invention as illustrated in the drawing will enable the reader to obtain a clear understanding and impression of the alleged features of merit and novelty sufllcient to clarify the construction of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Minor changes in shape, size, materials and rearrangement of parts may be resorted to in ac- 20 tual practice so long as no departure is made from the invention as claimed.

I claim:

In a combinationenvelope and opener of the class described, a receptacle portion, an independent gummed flap, arectangular strip of Cellophane oi a length corresponding to the adjacent edge portions of the flap and receptacle portions and having its opposite longitudinal edge; attached, respectively, to, said flap and receptacle portions, and a second narrower strip of Cellophane constituting a tear-tape. said tear-tape being superimposed against and attached to the 

